Sean Quinlivan, the head professional at Sinek Hills, shared insights on how each of the 156 competitors should approach the holes at the U.S. Open.
At 51, Quinlivan, who hails from southwestern Ireland, has been the head pro at Shinnecock for five years, following a 12-year tenure at Piping Rock on Long Island.
Here’s his take on playing the 7,440-yard, par-70 championship course, which will mark his sixth U.S. Open.
1st | Westward Ho
Par 4, 399 yards
“This is a pretty easy opening hole, relatively speaking. Players will likely hit around 250 yards downhill, leaving about 100 to 130 yards for the next shot. It’s a low-pressure start.”
2nd | Plateau
Par 3, 252 yards
“After an easy first hole, the second is a challenging par 3 ranging from 230 to 260 yards. The green is difficult with a runoff at the back and a false front, especially on the right side. Aim for a par and move on.”
3rd | Peconic
Par 4, 501 yards
“This hole is pretty long, about 500 yards with a slight left dogleg. If the wind cooperates, you’ll get an extra 50-60 yards of roll. Hitting the fairway is crucial, as the green has tricky runoffs on both sides making distance control important.”
4th | Pump House
Par 4, 476 yards
“A solid driving hole. For the best angle to the green, aim for the left side of the fairway, where two bunkers lurk at 270 and 320 yards. The green slopes left to right, so a shot in the middle will give decent looks no matter where the hole is.”
5th | Montauk
Par 5, 592 yards
“One of the two par 5s here. With the wind generally from the south-southwest, this hole offers the best opportunity for birdies. Ideally, land your shot in front of the green.”
6th | Pond
Par 4, 495 yards
“This is a tough hole. It’s a blind tee shot, but the fairway is wide in the 300-yard area. The green slopes front to back, making it tricky. A bunker on the left isn’t the end of the world, but the right side can be problematic. The middle of the green plays well.”
7th | Redan
Par 3, 187 yards
“One of my favorite holes. Typically, it’s a narrow green angled away from the tee, and it can be steep from right to left. Even reaching the green is a win; putting from there is no cakewalk. If players can secure four pars here over the week, they’ll do well.”
8th | Lowland
Par 4, 440 yards
“The tee shot favors long hitters, as there are bunkers on the left side of the fairway. Creating an angle from the left aids in an easier approach, especially if the hole is on the right side—makes it feel like the flag is floating.”
9th | Ben Nevis
Par 4, 482 yards
“This hole offers a lovely view of the clubhouse from a rolling hillside. The fairway is wide, especially if you aim right. The left side provides a chance to pick up distance and hit a wedge into the green, which is essential.”
No. 10 | East facing
Par 4, 415 yards
“The 2018 data shows a lot of players relaxing on the fairway, but birdies were rare from the top 170-180 yards out. The green can be intimidating; coming up short can lead to trouble, and if you overshoot, it can get worse. Players who find the fairway can convert well.”
No. 11 | Hill Head
Par 3, 157 yards
“An iconic par 3, this green plays even smaller than it is due to the front fall and left-side runoff. Many players miss left. Remember Brooks, who had a challenging day here in 2018? Keeping the ball on the center of the green is key.”
No. 12 | Tuckahoe
Par 4, 469 yards
“I think this hole offers some birdie chances, especially since the tee is downhill. It sets players up with short to mid-irons into the green.”
No. 13 | Road side
Par 4, 371 yards
“This is one of my favorites, a short hole about 350 yards downhill. Some might go for it, but most will probably lay up and leave short irons. This one should see a good number of birdies.”
No. 14 | Tom’s Elbow
Par 4, 530 yards
“From the shortest hole, we shift to the longest par 4. Accurate drives are essential, as missing the fairway often leads to bogeys. Even well-hit drives often leave a long iron to the green. Landing short is a smart approach.”
No. 15 | Sebonak
Par 4, 409 yards
“Another favorite of mine. It plays downhill, allowing players to land around 230 yards, sending the ball an extra 30-40 yards down the hill. The tricky green requires precision; missing the fairway here is costly.”
No. 16 | Shinnecock
Par 5, 616 yards
“This signature hole, with the clubhouse in view, is beautiful yet challenging. Even the longest hitters will find it tough to get close to the green twice. The green slopes from back to front, making spin control on the third shot critical.”
No. 17 | Far
Par 3, 176 yards
“This hole’s length can vary from 150 to 185 yards depending on placement. The green slopes from right to left, requiring a high-quality iron shot to stay on it. Par is a favorable score here.”
18th | House
Par 4, 485 yards
“Ideally, a one- or two-shot lead would be nice. This challenging 490-yard hole has a left dogleg and a fairway sloping right. Many players won’t reach the second bunker, and those who can risk it for a rewarding shot will find it great. But this is a hole where hitting 15 feet on the green can feel like a victory.”
